Significance of Four quarters
Synonyms: Four parts, Four divisions, Dollar
In Dutch: Vier kwartalen; In Finnish: Nelj盲 nelj盲nnest盲; In Spanish: Cuatro cuartos; In German: Vier Viertel; In Swedish: Fyra fj盲rdedelar; In Malay: Empat suku; In French: Quatre quarts
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Four quarters'
The keyphrase "Four quarters in Buddhism" symbolizes various interpretations, including metaphorical regions overshadowed by nuns, directional travels of Bhikkhus, worship directions during sacrifices, and community areas requiring resources or attention.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Refers to the various directions or regions of the world that Bhikkhus may travel to.[1] (2) The directional regions of the world that the Bhikkhu travels to.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) A term indicating areas or regions that were metaphorically blocked or confused by the presence of nuns.[3]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Refers to the different parts of a community or area that need attention or resources.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Directions in which the king offered worship during the sacrifice, inviting various seers.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Four quarters'
In Hinduism, "Four quarters" refers to the four cardinal directions symbolizing completeness, representing divisions of Earth and aspects of Brahman and Atman, aiding in understanding consciousness and enhancing ritual practices through directional significance.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A concept indicating various aspects or phases of Atman, which are categorized and explained.[6] (2) The divisions of the Atman that are identified with the letters A, U, and M in the context of the word Aum.[7] (3) The four states of consciousness: Vishva (waking), Taijasa (dreaming), Prajna (deep sleep), and Turiya (the transcendental state).[8]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This phrase is used to make it easier to understand a concept, much like dividing a karshapana into four parts to help with trade, facilitating a clearer grasp for less intelligent individuals.[9] (2) This term is used to describe the nature of Brahman, which has four parts, and one of these is all the beings, and the other three are the Immortal in heaven.[10] (3) A term that refers to the form and nature of Brahman, indicating completeness or wholeness, drawing a parallel with the structure of the Gayatri metre.[11]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Four quarters represent different aspects of the Self and are used as an aid to describe various states of consciousness, such as waking, dream, and profound sleep.[12] (2) The four quarters are a conceptual framework for understanding different states of consciousness, used for exposition related to Om and Self Consciousness.[13]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A phrase describing a way to conceptualize Brahman, highlighting divisions that aid in understanding its nature for meditative purposes.[14]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The cardinal directions that Brahma surveyed before responding to Narada.[15]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The hole that is dug is four-cornered, representing the four quarters of the earth.[16] (2) The four quarters are representations of space that the gods arranged in the universe, relevant in the context of the sacrifice.[17] (3) The cardinal directions significant in the ritual where the Sacrificer aims to cleanse and protect from malevolent forces.[18] (4) Refers to the four cardinal directions, signifying a comprehensive approach to the sacrificial offerings in the ritual.[19] (5) A reference to the four cardinal directions, embodying the concept of wholeness and balance in rituals.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A reference to the guardians of the directions, whom Lakshmana believes cannot prevent Shri Rama's installation.[21] (2) The cardinal directions or regions that witnessed the ongoing conflict.[22] (3) The directional spaces over which Khara aimed to display his archery prowess and cover with his arrows.[23]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The directional portions of the Sumeru mountain where Ganga divides; they include Sitaloka, Nandaka, Bankshubhadra, and Bhadrottara.[24] (2) The directions (East, North, West, South) to which Bhagiratha was instructed to carry the river Ganga.[25]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The various directions on the earth, representing the extensive journey Rama undertook in his pilgrimage.[26]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Refers to the four major divisions of the earth's surface, which are examined in the text.[27] (2) The division of the Earth into four regions, to which Vishvakarma assigned each of his sons.[28]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The directional points that are addressed during the sacrificial worship to ensure the completeness of the ritual.[29]
Jain concept of 'Four quarters'
In Jainism, "Four quarters" signifies the four cardinal directions, symbolizing openness and hospitality of a house, while also reflecting the celestial resonance of a drum echoing across the sky.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The cardinal directions associated with the echo of the drum in the sky.[30]
From: Naladiyar
(1) The four directions or sides; indicates that her house is open and welcoming.[31]
The concept of Four quarters in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Four quarters" encompasses the surrounding areas of a country, symbolizes directional elephants in Indian tradition, and represents the four directions from which Sramanas arrive, illustrating a multifaceted cultural and geographical concept.
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Refers to the four directions or groups from which the Sramanas gather.[32]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The areas surrounding the centre which the youth mentions in his explanation to measure the country.[33]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) In later Indian tradition, the four quarters of the world are often conceived and depicted as being upheld by four directional elephants (dig-gaja, din-naga).[34]